20/02/2025
The latest update.
An historic bluestone cottage at the junction of Barwon Heads Road and Tannery Road was dismantled by Major Road Projects Victoria to allow for the duplication of Barwon Heads Road in 2022. A community group (Marshall Bluestone Cottage Community Group) formed to advocate for retention and rebuilding of the historic Cottage in the local area.
Council responded in support of the community group in June 2021, requesting the City undertake a feasibility study of options for the retention and interpretation of the Cottage. This study presented five options to Council in October 2022, whereby Council resolved to:
1. Note the findings of the independent Bluestone Cottage Relocation Feasibility Study – 375 Barwon Heads Road;
2. Support further work on Option 3 to detail design, use and costings in preparation for planning approval; and
3. Request the Chief Executive Officer to seek full funding for all costs from the State Government to deliver Option 3.
The Bluestone Cottage Relocation Concept Design Report 2023 (Design Report) and a revised cost estimate was completed in November 2023. This was presented to the Marshall Bluestone Cottage Community Group, who inspected the dismantled remains of the Cottage, and attended several meetings with the City in respect of the proposed submission to State Government.
CEO Ali Wastie has written to the Hon. Danny Pearson, Minister for Transport Infrastructure, seeking funding to rebuild the Cottage on reserve land adjoining the JF Field Park as per Option 3, with the City to provide the land and ongoing maintenance. This funding request letter was accompanied by a letter of support from the Marshall Bluestone Cottage Community Group.
The City is awaiting a response from the Minister.
